Right-side views dominate both takeoff and landing phases. The departure offers coastal Saronic Gulf scenery, while the arrival showcases the Ethiopian highlands' dramatic escarpments and gorge systems—genuinely distinctive terrain. Left-side views are primarily flat Attica plains and featureless highland plateau. The right side scores higher due to concentrated dramatic geography during both critical flight phases.
Flown ATH to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Addis Ababa is 2,204 miles (3,548 km), a flight of about 5 hours 35 minutes.
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Crete, Rhodes, and Dodecanese islands visible during cruise), transition over the Levantine Sea toward the Middle East, descent into the East African highlands with the Blue Nile gorge system becoming prominent in the final approach phase
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
RIGHTRight-side departures from ATH typically use runway 03R heading NNE, offering views of the Saronic Gulf coastline and the Attica peninsula's eastern shore. Left-side views show inland Attica plains with minimal dramatic terrain during initial climb.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTApproaches to ADD typically use runway 07L or 07R heading east-northeast. Right-side views during descent show the Ethiopian highlands' dramatic escarpments, the Blue Nile gorge system, and the elevated Addis Ababa plateau. Left-side views show flatter terrain and less distinctive geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Addis Ababa. Right-side views dominate both takeoff and landing phases. The departure offers coastal Saronic Gulf scenery, while the arrival showcases the Ethiopian highlands' dramatic escarpments and gorge systems—genuinely distinctive terrain. Left-side views are primarily flat Attica plains and featureless highland plateau. The right side scores higher due to concentrated dramatic geography during both critical flight phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side departures from ATH typically use runway 03R heading NNE, offering views of the Saronic Gulf coastline and the Attica peninsula's eastern shore. Left-side views show inland Attica plains with minimal dramatic terrain during initial climb. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf coastline, Attica peninsula eastern edge, Athens metropolitan sprawl receding westward.
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaches to ADD typically use runway 07L or 07R heading east-northeast. Right-side views during descent show the Ethiopian highlands' dramatic escarpments, the Blue Nile gorge system, and the elevated Addis Ababa plateau. Left-side views show flatter terrain and less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Ethiopian highlands escarpment, Blue Nile gorge system, Addis Ababa elevated plateau, volcanic terrain of the central highlands.
How long is the flight from Athens to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 5 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,204 miles (3,548 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Crete, Rhodes, and Dodecanese islands visible during cruise), transition over the Levantine Sea toward the Middle East, descent into the East African highlands with the Blue Nile gorge system becoming prominent in the final approach phase